About Us

The Dumnonii Consort is a small vocal ensemble based in the Southwest of England

The Dumnonii Consort is a vocal ensemble based in the South West of England, bringing together professional singers from across the region to perform chamber choral music to the highest standard. Founded in 2023 by Artistic Director Matthew Jeffrey, the group was established both to celebrate the remarkable musical richness of the South West and to create opportunities for excellent local performers to make ambitious music together.

The ensemble is particularly committed to exploring the musical heritage of the region. This includes championing music by composers and musicians with connections to the South West, whether historic or contemporary, and placing that repertoire alongside outstanding works from the wider choral tradition. In doing so, Dumnonii Consort aims not only to present imaginative and engaging programmes, but also to highlight the depth and quality of music-making that has grown from this part of the country.

Alongside this regional focus, the group’s repertoire is wide-ranging. Dumnonii Consort performs music from across the centuries, from early polyphony and Renaissance masterpieces to Romantic works and music by living composers. The ensemble’s programming is shaped by a belief that local musical heritage should not be treated in isolation, but as part of a broader and vibrant artistic tradition.

At the heart of Dumnonii Consort is a shared commitment to clarity, blend, expressive singing, and thoughtful musicianship. Working as a small chamber ensemble allows the singers to bring both precision and flexibility to their performances, and to communicate directly with audiences in repertoire that demands intimacy as well as intensity. Whether performing well-known works or uncovering less familiar music, the group seeks to bring care, energy, and conviction to everything it does.

Dumnonii Consort also reflects a wider artistic vision: to contribute to a flourishing professional musical culture in the South West. By drawing together local singers and investing in repertoire with regional connections, the ensemble hopes to play a small part in strengthening the area’s artistic life and in demonstrating the exceptional quality of music-making that already exists here.

The name Dumnonii comes from the ancient Celtic tribe who inhabited much of what is now Devon and Cornwall. In choosing the name, the ensemble wanted to reflect a strong sense of place and identity, while also evoking the deep historical roots of the region. It speaks to the group’s connection to the South West, and to its desire to explore and celebrate the area’s cultural inheritance through music.

If you are a local musician or composer who might be interested in collaborating with us, then we’d love to hear from you. Please get in contact here.